BRANDON MONAHAN MAKES COMMENDABLE
DIRECTORIAL DEBUT IN LTVB'S GYPSY

Theater Babe Says:  Go ... and Let Them Entertain You

Not every actor can transition smoothly from performing to directing, but in the Little Theatre of Virginia Beach's summer show, Gypsy, Brandon Monahan demonstrates that his skills extend beyond the footlights. 

Gypsy tells the tale of the penultimate stage mother, Rose, who through brazen determination crams her daughters, June and Louise, into show business during the depression era.  The first and foremost task of any director is finding the right actors to breathe life into the characters, and here Mr. Monahan assembled a uniformly talented cast, many of whom are new to the LTVB stage, and combined their talents with his vision and blocking skills to create a thoroughly enjoyable performance.

Leading the way is Carissa Robertson as Mama Rose.  While the role may be best known for Ethel Merman bellowing "Everything's Coming Up Roses," Ms. Robertson's interpretation is a satisfying blend of bombast and vulnerability, combined with a stunningly rich and beautiful singing voice.  Ms. Robertson is perhaps a tad young for the role, but her strong performance leaves no doubt as to why she was cast.  The Theater Babe suggests only that later in the show subtle facial lines might be added to her makeup and a touch of powder to her hair so that her character ages in accordance with the passage of time.

Steve Suskin is a perfect foil for Ms. Robertson as Herbie, Rose's persistent beau.  Mr. Suskin displays a nice singing voice, but perhaps more importantly we believe that he genuinely loves the often unlovable Rose.  Mr. Suskin's Herbie is patient and understanding without being weak, and the moment when he decides he must leave is powerful and compelling though Mr. Suskin doesn't utter a sound.

As Dainty June, Alyssa Halter is perfectly perky and believably frustrated with Rose's obdurate insistence on starring her in perennially childish acts.  As Louise, Christine Gnieski is at her best when portraying the sensitive peacemaker; her strip routine, while well-choreographed, could use additional energy and pizzazz by Ms. Gnieski.  Both Ms. Halter and Ms. Gnieski have lovely voices, and their comedic duet, "If Mama Was Married," is one of the show's best moments.

Another notable number is Benjamin Wolfred's performance of "All I Need is the Girl."  His pleasing voice is well-suited to the song, and Mr. Wolfred creditably executes the accompanying soft-shoe.  Throughout the show, choreographer Jane Springstead's dances are well-crafted and ably performed, and although this is apparently Ms. Springstead's first foray into choreographing for community theatre, the Theater Babe sincerely hopes it will not be her last.

While their scenes are limited, the performances by London Myers as Baby June and Morgan Wilson as Young Louise are memorable.  Miss Myers has a dominant stage presence that belies her youth and Miss Wilson successfully undertakes the difficult task of correctly performing incorrectly – she is credibly just a little behind the beat, or starts to turn in the wrong direction rather than conspicuously showcasing her so-called lack of talent.  The Theater Babe applauds the efforts of these young actors and looks forward to seeing them in future productions.

Missy Bernstein ("Mazeppa"), Vonnie Henry ("Electra") and Tanya Marten ("Tessie Tura") are outstanding in the showstopping, "You Gotta Get a Gimmick," a musical description of the need for burlesque performers to have a signature move or stunt to distinguish them from the rest.  Despite the underlying irony in the lyrics ("take a look how different we are") that describe what are, after all, slight variations on a bump-and-grind, Ms. Bernstein, Ms. Henry and Ms. Marten are distinctive – not to mention hilarious – and they well deserve the riotous applause they receive.  Their costumes, designed by Kathy Hinson, are suggestive without being raunchy, and the performers take advantage of their fun and unique outfits as they strut, preen and, yes, bump their way across the stage in what may be the best number in the show.

The vocal musical direction by Shelley Cady and her performance on the piano are successful.  Percussionist Tom Ullom is outstanding and faultlessly augments the score, particularly during the burlesque numbers.  Many of the other instruments, however, are disappointing.  The trumpets are often not in tune, noticeably sliding under pitch, and the violins have an unfortunate tendency to screetch.  It is exceedingly difficult to accompany a performance from backstage where the action is not visible to the instrumentalists, and here almost every blackout ended with a random misplaced note by one of the brass, one of the strings, or both.  While the Theater Babe appreciates the attempt at having a full, orchestral sound, here the overall result distracts from rather than enhances the vocals and prevents the instrumental overture and entr'acte from being as successful as they otherwise could have been.

The set design by Jennifer Murphy is an agreeable mishmash of typical backstage accoutrements and silently reinforces the theme that these people are "gypsies" – theatre folk who travel from place to place.  The lighting by Jeff Brangan is well done, particularly during the soft and thoughtful "Little Lamb" in the first act.

Bottom line?  Mr. Monahan and his talented cast and production team present a pleasurable performance that is worth the time and the ticket price and does indeed entertain you.

Performances run thru August 5th, Friday - Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2:30 p.m.

at the Little Theatre of Virginia Beach,

550 Barberton Drive, Virginia Beach, Virginia 23451.

Tickets are $17 ($14 for matinees) with discounts for seniors, students and military.

Reservations can be obtained by calling the box office at (757) 428-9233.

© 2012 Hampton Roads Theater Babe.  All Rights Reserved.